Hutchison Will Not Serve in the Obama Administration

DALLAS (AP) _ A representative for former U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison says the Texas Republican would not consider a position in President Barack Obama’s Cabinet.

Hutchison served two decades in the Senate before deciding not to seek re-election last year. She was mentioned in one report as a possible successor to Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, also a Republican.

Hutchison’s executive assistant, Melinda Poucher, said in an emailed statement Friday that Hutchison “would not consider a cabinet position of any kind.” Poucher says Hutchison hasn’t decided what she’ll do next, but expects to pursue a private sector career.

Hutchison is a former top Republican on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Obama has been criticized by some Democrats for not appointing enough women to senior posts.